40′ HC Working Refrigerated Container

The 40' HC (High Cube) working refrigerated container is a purpose-built intermodal unit for transporting and storing temperature-sensitive cargo. The reefer carries a factory-fitted, operational refrigeration system inside a standard ISO steel structure, providing a controlled environment for many perishable and non-perishable goods that need stable thermal management. Its design meets international standards for durability and performance across logistics applications.

Key Features

• Integrated refrigeration unit: A front-mounted, operational system holds consistent temperatures, commonly within -30°C to +30°C depending on the cargo.
• High cube configuration: As a High Cube unit, it adds 12 inches (approx. 30 cm) of vertical interior space over a standard 40' reefer for bulkier goods.
• Robust steel construction: A corten steel frame with corrugated steel walls provides integrity for stacking, handling, and durability across sea, rail, or road transport.
• Enhanced insulation: Polyurethane foam in the walls, floor, and roof minimizes heat leakage for energy efficiency and stable conditions.
• T-floor design: A durable aluminum T-floor circulates air beneath the cargo from the refrigeration unit and supports forklift or pallet-jack loading.

The 40' HC working reefer functions as a mobile cold-storage solution. It connects to an external power source (a shipboard plug-in, terminal outlet, or diesel generator) to run the integrated machinery, while a microprocessor controller manages air circulation, temperature, and defrost cycles to keep the set environment during transit or storage. Built from weathering steel, the container withstands harsh conditions, and its frame carries standard corner castings for secure lifting and stacking in ISO-compatible handling systems. The high cube height maximizes interior volume for volumetric cargo, and a sill on the doors minimizes air leakage when sealed, improving temperature stability and efficiency. These units are often certified for various cargo types, with components built for reliable long-term use, and the microprocessor's integral temperature recorder logs supply and return air temperatures to document the cargo's environment throughout the journey.

Technical Specifications

• External dimensions (L x W x H): 12.19 m x 2.44 m x 2.90 m (40' x 8' x 9'6")
• Internal dimensions (L x W x H): Approx. 11.58 m x 2.29 m x 2.55 m (38' x 7'6" x 8'4")
• Door opening (W x H): Approx. 2.29 m x 2.57 m (7'6" x 8'5")
• Internal cubic capacity: Approx. 67.3 m³ (2,380 ft³)
• Maximum gross weight: 34,000 kg (74,957 lbs)
• Tare weight (approx.): 4,480 kg (9,880 lbs)
• Payload capacity (approx.): 29,520 kg (65,080 lbs)
• ISO code: 45R1
• Temperature range: Typically configurable between -30°C and +30°C

Note: Specifications are representative and may vary slightly by manufacturer and refrigeration unit model.

The container is compatible with standard intermodal transport, including container ships, semi-trailer chassis, and rail flatcars. It suits perishable food logistics (fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, and seafood needing chilled or frozen conditions); pharmaceutical transport of medicines and vaccines requiring strict temperature control; cold storage as a temporary or permanent refrigerated unit at warehouses, distribution centers, or event venues; and non-food sensitive goods such as cut flowers, photographic film, or certain chemicals sensitive to temperature swings.

Package Includes

• 1 x 40' High Cube Working Refrigerated Container
• 1 x Integrated, operational front-mount refrigeration unit
• Standard ISO corner castings